"A man whom I certainly took to be a German—a man who talks German fluently."
She fell very thoughtful and presently repeated,
"Middle-sized—with a beard—and dark eyes?"
"Yes," I said confidently; for somehow or other I began to feel singularly sure of these features.
"Of course I know who you suspect," she said, looking up suddenly. "And you had him removed from the island afterwards."
"You mean O'Brien? Yes, I did suspect him—though, mind you, I had nothing to go on. Do you know if he talked German?"
"He once told me he did, but I never heard him, and I didn't believe him."
"Why not?"
"One couldn't believe half he said, and I don't think he intended one to.
He was very Irish. But I don't believe he was the man."
"Why not?" I asked again.